Upon hearing the name “Mochilato” for the first time, your first thought might be, “What in the world is ‘mochi’?”

Mochi is a Japanese sticky rice cake that is molded into various shapes, usually cubes or spheres. While it is eaten year-round, mochi is considered traditional food for the Japanese New Year and various Japanese holidays. While mochi derived its reputation as a Japanese dessert, it has become popular in the United States, especially in California and Hawaii. Mochi desserts now include mochi ice cream (small balls of ice cream with a mochi covering) and mochi toppings at frozen yogurt stores (including Pinkberry).

And then, of course, there’s mochilato.

Mochilato is a small dessert shop which opened on May 31, 2008 in Fullerton, according to co-owner Michelle Woo. This Japanese-style franchise, located in a food plaza, is a popular dessert hangout for both families and students. With “mochilato” as its specialty – denser, flavorful Italian ice cream at the center of a mochi ball – this sleek dessert shop combines a relaxing atmosphere with various dessert items designed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

MOCHILATO
There are a variety of flavors to choose from for mochilatos, ranging from fruity flavors to traditional flavors. Fruit flavors include apricot and mango, and “sweet” flavors include choco-peanut butter, mint chip and tiramisu. Traditional flavors such as vanilla and strawberry are also available. “Unique” flavors include pistachio, plum wine and crème brulee.

GELATO
You can get your dose of gelato by itself, also. There are a variety of flavors to choose from, including mint chip and cookies & cream.

MOCHI
There is a plethora of possibilities for mochi. If you do not want your mochi and gelato to mix, different types of mochi are available to purchase, including favorites hazelnut and coconut.

SHAVED ICE
You might have thought there was only one “kind” of shaved ice, but Mochilato blows you away with different “types” of this refreshingly chilling dessert. Not only are there “Japanese” and “Italian” styles for shaved ice, but there are “Barista” and “Mochilato” ways as well, featuring coffee and … mochi, what else?

TAIYAKI
While “taiyaki” usually refers to a fish-shaped cake with filling, another popular Japanese snack, Mochilato features Japanese-style waffles (the fish-shaped cake is made from using taiyaki, Japanese pancake or waffle batter). Toppings are available, and you can customize your taiyaki with an assortment of fresh fruits.

SORBETS
Sorbets, frozen specialties made from iced fruit and sweetened water, can be served in small or medium portions or in waffle bowls at Mochilato.

CREPES
Mochilato offers Japanese style crepes with fruits, chocolate or gelato. The results are simply amazing.

OTHER GOODIES
Looking for something simple? Aside from its extravagant desserts, Mochilato provides more traditional snacks as well, including cookies, pastries and cakes.

DRINKS
If you’re too full for dessert and simply want a beverage, Mochilato offers iced, hot and blended drinks, including coffee and tea.

Mochilato is located in Amerige Town Center, 1993 W. Malvern Ave. Mochilato is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 713-879-9020.